Respiratory rate is low (~10 min -1), but tidal volume is relatively big, and alveolar ventilation rate (V A ~60 L min -1) delivers sufficient air despite the large dead space volume. A short trunk and rigid chest wall reduce the capacity of the thorax and consequently lung volume is small. Air reaches alveoli for gas exchange through a long trachea, which is relatively narrow (~4 cm in diameter). Giraffes do not have the velocity of airflow through the airways to vibrate vocal cords sufficiently to generate sounds able to be heard by humans but can produce sounds able to be heard by giraffes. The respiratory system supplies oxygen, removes of carbon dioxide and produces the airflow needed to make sounds. This chapter discusses the respiratory system of giraffes.
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